The rose petal necklace  (can be seen in the picture of mom with her side kick: Tbear)

In 1941 when Mom and Dad were married, she began her rose petal collection. From then on whenever she would attend an occasion, or receive a gift of flowers, she would save a rose, or a different flower if a rose wasn’t available.

We knew about beads made from dried rose petals so one year we decided a rose bead necklace might be a very special gift for mom. Mom loved that necklace because it held memories of some of the most important events in her life ~ and most likely your life as well.

A tear drop necklace typically refers to a shape but, in this case, it seems the term could also apply to Moms' necklace. The necklace represented tears which were shed from joy, sorrow, pride in accomplishments of others, gratitude for a gift, every emotion which would fit the circumstances.

Even after we sorted out petals to have made into the necklace, Mom continued to add petals to the bowls, and potpourri, which is a story for another time. Now ... the petal bowls are still on the shelf ~~ the necklace will always be Moms’.

Songs Vivian specifically wanted us to listen to with the hope they might bring us some comfort:

Sweet Beulah Land - sung by the Petersens on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch…

If you knew - written by Steve Perry, sung by Doug Hodges.

https://drive.google.com/file…

In addition to the 2 previous songs, she loved to listen to traditional gospel music.

Christmas eve 2021 ~ Vivian answering a question about any favorite Christmas memories.

She also talks about a few other childhood memories. (Video is abt 7 min long)

Viewer discretion: Vivian is wearing a nose piece to delivery oxygen which might be disturbing to some viewers.

Vivian was the aunt that I wish I knew better. As a kid from NJ, I found her Midwest sensibility a little…flat. But as I came to know her better I grew to admire and respect her no nonsense approach. Intelligent, practical, and funny, I cherish the times that we were together. I recall visiting for a few days  in the early’80s on a cross country bicycle trip. Aside from general warm hospitality, she sewed a repair in the seat of my wool bicycle shorts. That was a labor of love…

Vivian had love in abundance and was always eager to share. 

I will miss her, but I rest assured that she is in a better place. 

Vivian (Gram) was a wonderful woman full of amazing stories, excellent advice and a fabulous sense of humor. We will miss her and seeing that sparkle in her eyes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.  She touched many and her legacy lives on with all of you.  She was a bright light on earth and now she is a beacon shining down. God bless the Loughead family. 

Love, Fox Twins